The 10 Best Manual Weeders
This wiki has been updated 37 times since it was first published in January of 2016. If you prefer to not use harmful chemicals and herbicides in your garden, here's a selection of manual weeders to help you keep your lawn, flower beds, and vegetable rows clear of pesky intruders. We've included a range of sizes and styles to choose from, including handheld models good for delicate work and heavy-duty options suitable for ripping out larger problem areas. When users buy our independently chosen editorial recommendations, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. CobraHead Cultivator
2. Nejiri Gama Hoe
3. Wilcox All Pro
Editor's Notes
March 17, 2020:
For this update, we replaced the Fiskars Duraframe Scratch with the Edward Tools, a similar fishtail-style tool, but with the addition of a metal bow along the handle. This allows for more leverage, but also makes it more stable, and less likely to bend under stress. Its low price makes it a great value for anyone looking for a compact weeder.
We also removed the Yard Butler Rocket 1000, as several of our other entries shared a similar design and were of generally higher quality. We replaced it with the Wilcox All Pro, an extra-sturdy handheld model. It features a bicycle handlebar-style grip that lets you firmly sink its blade into the ground, and maintain a secure hold as you use it.
It’s important to keep in mind your physical limitations when choosing a manual weeder. Even though handheld models are effective and efficient, if you’re not going to be comfortable bending over and working on your knees, you might want to consider a stand-up option. These longer tools, like the Grampa's Original, or Garden Weasel Step and Twist, aren’t as precise, and can displace a bit more dirt, but they still get the job done.
If you’re looking for something more versatile, a gardening trowel might be a more useful tool. Depending on your lawn or garden situation, they can be effective at extracting weeds, as well as breaking up soil, digging holes for planting, or prying out stones.
4. Garden Weasel Step and Twist
5. Gardena 8943-U
6. Radius Garden 205 Pro
7. Fiskars Deluxe
8. Grampa's Original
9. Wolf-Garten Push-Pull
10. Edward Tools
Alex Rennie is a writer from Los Angeles, CA, and holds a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Missouri. Having been a successful residential and commercial carpenter for six years in New York City, he has a comprehensive knowledge of woodworking, power tools, and the world of home DIY. His passion for construction and carpentry keep him up to date on the latest gadgets and techniques, and he never misses an opportunity to patch up a drywall dent or sand down a rough edge. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking the Santa Monica mountains with his family and their dogs, and fostering rescue animals.